BISMARCK — The Diocese of Bismarck is organizing a celebration of St. Kateri Tekakwitha that will include leaders of the state’s tribal nations and commemorate one of the Catholic Church’s newest North American saints.

Cardinal Raymond Burke, a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, will make a historic visit to western North Dakota in June, joining both laypeople and priests of the Bismarck Diocese for a special celebration.

Cardinal Seán O’Malley, OFM Cap., of Boston called for reflection, greater respect for human life and healing in the wake of the May 13 convictions of Dr. Kermit Gosnell of Philadelphia. “Dr. Gosnell’s trial brought much-needed attention to the tragedy of abortion,” he said. “His murder convictions of newly delivered infants have caused many people to reexamine their positions on abortion.”

The Center for Reproductive Rights announced today that it has filed a motion in the East Central District Court on behalf of the Red River Women's Clinic to block implementation of SB 2305, which requires that abortionists have local hospital admitting privileges. The center also stated its intention to block the state's prenatal anti-discrimination law.

"It is the height of irony that the Minnesota legislature decided, and the governor signed into law, the redefinition of marriage just after we celebrated the unique gifts of mothers and women on Mother's Day," said Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco.

The second annual Fortnight for Freedom will take place from June 21 to July 4 and will consist of national and local efforts to educate Americans on challenges to religious liberty both at home and abroad. As with last year's Fortnight, the event will begin and end with a special Mass.

NEW EVANGELIZATION ALERT: strangenotions.com
"Over the last ten years, the number of self-identified atheists in America has increased 500%. They're one of the country's fastest growing religious groups yet almost no Catholics engage them. Strange Notions is a frontier project in this needed effort."

The 2013 Farm Bill is an opportunity to address outdated agriculture policies and help hungry people at home and abroad, said leaders of four Catholic organizations in May 9 letters. The letters went to leadership of the Agriculture committees of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

It’s always been his way or her way, but now the Catholic Diocese of Bismarck is offering The Third Option. After a successful kickoff in Bismarck-Mandan, the marriage program is expanding to Minot beginning June 6.